Topic: How To Invest

What are your thoughts on AutoCanada? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

AutoCanada Inc., $17.30, symbol ACQ on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 19.9 million; Market cap: $507.6 million; www.autocan.ca), has over 1,100 employees at 27 franchised automobile dealerships in six provinces. The company sells numerous brands, but Chrysler vehicles supply 70% of its revenue. In the three months ended September 30, 2012, AutoCanada’s revenue rose 11.0%, to $298.7 million from $269.1 million a year earlier. Earnings per share rose 30.8%, to $0.34 from $0.26. AutoCanada holds cash of $54.3 million, or $2.73 a share, and has low debt. In January 2013, the company bought People’s Automotive, a Volkswagen dealership in Grande Prairie, Alberta for an undisclosed amount. It plans to keep making acquisitions. AutoCanada has just raised its quarterly dividend by 5.9%, to $0.18 a share from $0.17. The shares now yield 3.9%. The company has increased its dividend for seven consecutive quarters. Car sales should remain strong in 2013, but the industry remains highly competitive and cyclical. The shares have more than doubled…